Instructional driver

What does an instructor driver do? – Tasks and work environment

An instructor driver primarily works to supervise and train future locomotive drivers or colleagues within the railway sector. Tasks include practical instruction driving, safety training, theoretical teaching, and assessment of driving ability and safety routines. Instructor drivers are responsible for ensuring new drivers follow current rules and safety regulations while acting as mentors and role models during training. The work environment is varied and can include early mornings, late evenings, and work at different geographic locations, often onboard trains or in training facilities. The role requires precision, pedagogical skill, and the ability to handle stressful situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for instructor drivers has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,800 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 41 900 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 2.7%. In 2024, the average salary continued to rise to 43 100 SEK, a further increase of 2.9% from the previous year. The total salary increase during this period amounts to nearly 6%. Factors driving this development include ongoing demand for qualified instructor drivers, increased safety requirements, and gradual skill enhancement within the profession. The job market for instructor drivers is also affected by retirements and a growing need for trained drivers in the transportation sector.

Instructor driver salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 40,300 SEK/month (woman, three-year high school education)
• Highest salary: 45,100 SEK/month (man, regional sector, up to 2-year high school education)
• Hourly wage: 259 SEK
• Men: 43 200 SEK/month
• Women: 42 600 SEK/month
• Women's salary as percentage of men's: 99%

Education and qualifications

To work as an instructor driver, a background as a locomotive driver and several years of documented experience in the profession are usually required. Further training to become an instructor driver is often offered internally by the employer or through industry-specific courses. Formal requirements may vary between employers, but pedagogical ability and good knowledge of safety and train traffic are central. Many employers also require approved results from specific training and certifications related to traffic safety and educational methodology.

• Locomotive driver training: High school level, approximately 1 year
• Further training: Internal courses and certifications for instructor drivers
• Experience requirement: Several years as a locomotive driver
• Pedagogical training: Often meritorious but not always a formal requirement
• Prerequisites: Approved locomotive driver license and safety training

Common benefits and compensations

Instructor drivers are generally offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness contributions, and insurances. Many employers also provide overtime compensation for work during inconvenient hours, extra vacation days, and opportunities for further training and development. Travel and per diems may be provided when working at different locations.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as an instructor driver is moderate, but the availability of qualified candidates is limited because the role requires both experience and specific pedagogical skills. Challenges in the profession include high safety standards, constant updates to regulations, and the ability to adapt teaching to drivers' different backgrounds and learning styles. The work environment can be pressured during staff shortages or changes in traffic volume. It is also important to manage the mental strain associated with the responsibility for others' training and safety.

Tips for those who want to become an instructor driver

To succeed as an instructor driver, it is good to combine a strong sense of responsibility with a genuine interest in education and safety. Pedagogical ability helps when instructions need to be adapted to different individuals, and patience is crucial when mentoring new drivers with varying experience. Being communicative and clear helps build trust and ensure that all instructions are understood correctly. Flexibility is also important since working days can vary in both time and location. Finally, being solution-oriented and able to handle unexpected situations quickly is a significant advantage, which is often needed in the dynamic railway environment.

Key facts about instructor drivers

• Education level: Locomotive driver training at high school level + further training
• Work environment: Varying, both onboard trains and in training facilities
• Typical employment: Permanent, often full-time
• Demand: 412 job openings within the profession as of the latest measurement
• Gender distribution: Women earn 99% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an instructor driver, opportunities open to advance to roles such as chief instructor, training manager, or other leadership positions within train operators and training organizations. Some choose to specialize in safety, regulation development, or digital training. The outlook for instructor drivers is considered stable, although the Swedish Public Employment Service does not provide a separate forecast for the profession due to limited data. However, continued high demand for locomotive drivers and trainers within the railway sector suggests good career opportunities in the coming years. The number of job vacancies within the profession, with 412 advertised positions, indicates a relatively strong labor market.

Frequently asked questions about instructor drivers

• What does an instructor driver earn?
  - An instructor driver has an average salary of 43 100 SEK per month. Women earn 42 600 SEK and men 43 200 SEK.
• How to become an instructor driver?
  - First, locomotive driver training and several years of experience as a locomotive driver are required, followed by further training and certification as an instructor driver.
• What is the highest salary for an instructor driver?
  - The highest salary is 45,100 SEK per month and belongs to a man in the regional sector.
• What is the lowest salary for an instructor driver?
  - The lowest salary is 40,300 SEK per month and belongs to a woman with a three-year high school education.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Salary variations can occur between different regions and sectors, but the majority follow national collective agreements.
• What is the job market like?
  - There are approximately 412 job openings within the profession, indicating strong demand.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Responsibility, pedagogical skills, patience, and good communication skills are central qualities for the profession.